LDL CHOLESTROL AWARENESS

The general impression, reinforced by the specter of increasing lifestyle induced coronary diseases, is that LDL cholestrol is ‘bad’. To be sure, high levels of LDL cholestrol increases risks of heart diseases, but it must be also recognized that LDL cholestrol plays a vital role in our very survival. Cholestrol is a lipid (or fat) which is required for building cell membranes and for producing certain hormones in the body. The low density and high density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL), are carriers which transport the cholestrol through the bloodstream.

LDLs, transporting needed cholesterol to cells as they do, perform a life sustaining role. However, excess levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to their deposition on the walls of arteries. This results in narrowing and hardening of the arteries (a condition known as atherosclerosis) and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is why cholesterol in LDL is referred to as “bad” cholesterol and sustained efforts are made to control excess levels.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has given certain guidelines on the risk associated with different levels of LDL concentrations in the bloodstream. As per these, less than 100 mg/dL (milligram per deciliter) i.e. < 100 mg/dL, corresponding to < 2.6 mmol/Lt (millimole per liter) of LDL cholestrol is optimal for reduced heart risk At the other end of the scale, LDL cholestrol > 190 mg/dL (> 4.9 mmol/Lt) corresponds to highest (increased) risk of heart disease.

There are a number of medicines available for lowering cholesterol when lifestyle changes prove inadequate. Some of these are niacin, fibrates, statins etc. Of these, statins have been found to be the most efficacious in lowering LDL cholestrol levels

The preferred way, however, is to lower LDL cholestrol level, without recourse to medication, by undertaking a so called ‘therapeutic‘lifestyle change. This is possible only when there are no physiological causes related to the heart or any underlying diseases requiring the mandatory use of drugs. Even in situations of mandated drug use, lifestyle changes, if implemented, can supplement and enhance the effect of the drugs. The lifestyle changes involve regular exercising (at least thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercises daily); weight loss; and a diet which includes foods that are low in saturated fats, trans-fats, cholestrol, salt (sodium) and added sugar. A change of recipe involving baked, grilled and boiled food rather than fried and sautéed items is also called for. It is further necessary to avoid smoking and/or more than ‘moderate’ drinking of alcoholic beverages.